Here we go folks, it's another one of those horror films that really isn't a horror film. Sound familiar? Well, if it doesn't, it should because filmmakers have been trying to pull this one on us for years. Luckily in the case of Larry Fessenden, the output is quite different than what one would expect. No Telling is most certainly not your typical horror film that really isn't a horror film (how's that for a tongue twister?). It's quite different in many respects and those of us familiar with Fessenden's work will know exactly what I'm talking about. No Telling, Habit and Wendigo complete his trilogy of unusual horror films and now I'm happy to say that I've seen two as I caught a screening of Wendigo about a year ago. It's pretty obvious that Fessenden learned a lot in ten years, Wendigo is a far superior film in many respects to No Telling, however, despite what many critics will tell you No Telling certainly holds its own and stands today as a fascinating piece of cinematic work.

Happy couple Geoffrey (Stephen Ramsey) and Lillian (Miriam Healy-Louie) move out to a rural country location so Geoffrey can concentrate on his work. Through a generous grant, Geoffrey is experimenting on animals for the purpose of limb transplants. Shutting himself off in a shed out back Geoffrey is slowly consumed by his work as well as his impending madness. The deliveries of rats and monkeys don't come quick enough for Geoffrey so he sets out to find his own animals to experiment on (a young girl's dog and a local farmer's calf for starters). Sensing her husband's distance and change in behavior, Lillian sets out to discover what it is exactly that's consuming her husband with the help of a local boy, but unfortunately it just may be too late.

It's obvious that No Telling has been made from the point of view of an environmental activist and animal lover. The question is, does the material come across as being too preachy? Well, the answer is yes, but this does not a bad movie make. The film is undeniably clever and Fessenden has a real knack for taking conventions of the horror genre and turning them upside down and inside out. It's never clear to the viewer if he/she is indeed watching a film that was fully intended as horror. Sure the film is somewhat lifted from the story of Frankenstein, and some of the onscreen antics are actually quite horrific. But the film never plays for cheap scares and the gore/chills seem oddly appropriate to further the story along and make the onscreen antics all the more powerful. The fact that Fessenden is comfortable with the fact that his film indeed doesn't need a label applied is quite commendable as well. The animal violence (none of which is real) is quite hard to stomach and I'm sure it's upset a lot of PETA fanatics. Well, there is a message here and a purpose, the disturbing simulations are quite necessary. Grow up folks, it's fiction for godsakes! Keep repeating to yourselfÉ it's only a movie, only a movie, only a movie.

Good reviews or bad reviews aside, Fessenden is a talented filmmaker, this fact is hard to deny. With creative use of the camera and editing techniques, it's easy to see that No Telling was a true labor of love for all involved. The film is certainly not for all tastes. Those looking for a straightforward retelling of the Frankenstein story, or SCREAM type horror flick need not apply. However, those looking for an intelligent and thought provoking slice of something just a bit horrific, that may also be just off the beaten path, should find No Telling to be just the ticket.

No Telling looks about as good as one could expect on DVD considering the films low budget origins. The print used has some marginal print damage including some light scratches and film dirt. Grain is actually minimal which was quite a nice surprise. Some of the colors appear a bit muted, but I partially blame this on the films original low budget and harsh lighting schemes. Obviously shot on 16mm, the film is presented in an ever so mildly letterboxed transfer for this DVD. I hesitate to even say this is a widescreen presentation, it's closer to full frame than anything else. Not to worry for all you widescreen hounds as this appears to be an accurate presentation of the film and it doesn't appear that we are losing any info.

The packaging states that the film is in stereo, but it appeared to be a solid mono mix from what I could hear; Dialogue was clear with no distortion; music and effects sounded clear as well. Worth mentioning the outstanding score as well, definitely added to the mood of the piece.

Extras include a European trailer under the films alternate title The Fankenstein Complex, and a trilogy of horror trailer for all three Fessenden films (No Telling, Habit, Wendigo). Last up is a brief behind the scenes segment. The 20-minute piece shows Fessenden as an eccentric and maniacal director who knows exactly what he wants and it appears as if he knows exactly how to get it as well. Even more of a reason to respect the man and his work.

Not Fessenden's best film, but a noble attempt and a refreshing change of pace from the lack of horror offerings currently available. Simple, subdued and quite often brilliant, No Telling is definitely worth a once over.

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